Birkenhead Park’s cup match postponed

Dec 5 2012 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

BIRKENHEAD Park's scheduled Cheshire Cup semi final on Saturday was postponed after visitors Chester pulled out on the grounds they couldn’t field a recognised front row.

Cheshire RFU ruled that Chester should be given another chance to fulfil the fixture and the tie is now likely to take place on December 29 which is the deadline for completion.

Park President Mark McNally was far from impressed with the decision and said: “The tie had been arranged some time ago and Chester's withdrawal left us without a senior match and the associated revenue.

“We explained to Chester that we would not be at full strength and would have to field a much changed side from the previous week as well.

“As the current leaders of National 3 North I felt they should have had the resources to field a side for what we regard as an important competition. Instead Chester gave priority to a second XV cup game at Preston Grasshoppers which I find puzzling.”

Park switch attention to this Saturday's visit of Rossendale in National 3 North.

This is another game which Park really need to win and they will take encouragement from their recent form which brought a draw at Penrith and a victory over Bradford & Bingley.

Rossendale's form has been mixed but they will undoubtedly prove difficult opposition and Park will need to be focussed if they are to gain their third league win of the season. Kick off is 2.15pm at the Upper Park.